MT. HOOD TWO-DAY SUMMIT PROGRAM ITINERARY
Meet time: Please refer to your confirmation email
Location: Your program will begin at the Timberline Ski Resort
- Meet in the Timberline Mountain Guides’ Mountain Office inside the Wy’East Day Lodge
- Meet at the time specified in your confirmation email
Day 1: Orientation and Steep Snow Climbing Course
After meeting your group and your guide, you can expect to spend a few minutes sorting and issuing gear, fitting boots and crampons, and going through logistics for the climb. If after reviewing the equipment list you still have questions about what to wear or bring on the climb, this is the time to ask, so please bring all of your gear with you. During this session, your guide will brief you on the current mountain and route conditions, weather, and the schedule for the rest of the climb.
Once everyone in your group has all the gear they need and all of the pre-climb logistics have been sorted, you’ll head out to begin the Steep Snow Climbing Course. Usually this involves just a short hike from the lodge, but you’ll want to come prepared for a day out on the snow. If the weather is fair, you often won’t need to bring all of the layers you’re planning on climbing in, but you will need waterproof shells, gloves, food, water and all of the technical climbing equipment for the climb. Please arrive at the office prepared for the day’s weather.
This course usually takes until early afternoon, and covers everything you’ll need to know to climb the mountain. Topics include footwork in mountain boots, crampon and ice axe techniques, rope systems, and self-arrest.
Please note that as the Two-Day Summit Program is not an overnight program, you will need to make arrangements for accommodations the night before your climb. Keep in mind that Timberline Lodge is a popular destination for travelers throughout the world, and it is often completely booked well before the summer climbing season begins.
Day 2: Climb Day
Your guide will let you know on Day 1 when and where you will meet to begin your climb. Typically, you’ll meet at the Climbers’ Register at the lower entrance to the Wy’East Day Lodge sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Once you’ve been through a final gear check, you’ll board the snowcat, and ride up to approximately 8000 feet. Usually we’ll climb the South Side route and attempt the summit via one of many popular variations including the Old Chute and The Pearly Gates. Generally, you can expect to take about six to nine hours on the way up, and three to four on the way down, making for a typical day of about ten to fourteen hours round-trip from Timberline Lodge. Any ascent of the South Side routes will include climbing on non-technical terrain as well as on steeper slopes of snow and possibly rock or ice. It is important to realize that there is no guarantee of summitting Mount Hood. Climbers in open group programs can be turned around for any reason, including but not limited to weather, mountain hazards, fitness, or to maintain the maximum climber-to-guide ratio of 3:1. Private Guides are available.
Once you’ve completed your descent to Timberline Lodge, we ask that you return promptly to the Timberline Mountain Guides’ office to de-issue any gear you may have rented. If you feel that you’ve had an exceptional experience, it is customary to tip your guide.
What’s Included: We supply the guide, the ropes, the carabiners, the guide’s first aid kit, and the snowcat ride. Please note that food is not included.
What You Need to Bring: Please bring all of the gear that’s on the equipment list, including all of the technical climbing gear. If you don’t have any of the technical gear, you can rent it from us! Please also read the equipment list carefully and call or email us if you have any questions. We’re here to help. You should also be sure to bring lunch, snacks and water for each day of your program.